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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Priscilla SemmensForensic Psychology, 2009

Personal Statement

• My name is Priscilla Semmens. I have working to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology. Criminal Justice and Psychology inspires me to want to learn more about the subjects. I am motivated and ambitious about life, learning, and working hard to get where I want to be. I strive to put my full effort into my homework assignments and read the assignments for class. As a result, my current Grade Point Average is 3.78 and I was on the Deans List the past three years of college. My interests in life are being with my family, riding a motorcycle and going to the shooting range. My skills include being able to talk to individuals without judgment or getting angry and listening to people when they speak or need someone to talk to. My values are integrity and security. People should be honest in life because lies create more lies and individuals eventually get caught lying. I value security, since I did not have much growing up.

Personal Statement

• My childhood was difficult with sexual, psychical and emotional abuse involved. My mother moved me from one school to another. I went to four different high schools. I never wanted to live like that or do that to my children. Since, I was eighteen I moved into my own apartment, purchased my own car and paid my bills on time. I currently take care of my ten month old son and fifteen year old sister. We have been living in a three bedroom rancher for about three years. We are looking to move, however we will stay in the same school district. I believe that security is important for a family.

Personal Statement

• My biggest accomplishment in life has been becoming apart of a 12 step program, which has allowed me to work with another individual through the 12 steps. I am very active within this program, for example: I took suggestions, commitments, became co-chair of a committee, became chair of another committee, helped individuals with their addictions, spoke at various rehabilitation centers and institutions, and grew more spiritually.

Personal Statement

• I started working for as an Office Manager, for a Private Investigator, with a company called Selective Subpoena and Investigative Services, Inc. Within the office, I was great at multi-tasking, working with other people, and solving problems that occurred. I was taught how to write letters and communicate with lawyers, paralegals, court houses and state facilities in a professional manner. The President of the company always made sure that the letters were proofread several times. Each time I called a law firm on a particular file, I was required to write down the date, time and what was discussed. In addition, I am able to utilize Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher, as well as exploring the Internet and Quickbooks. If I don’t know how to complete a task then I ask questions. In addition, I located individuals for various law firms. Various internet databases were utilized to find people for law firms and serve them legal papers. Occasionally, I served Subpoenas, Summons and Complaints, Motions and other legal papers to individuals they were addressed to.

Personal statement

• Eventually, I started my own business as an independent contractor working as a Process Server. Upon graduation, I plan to start a business rather than being an independent contractor. I have learned that it cost $125.00 to register a business in the State of New Jersey. I have a few names for my business, however I need to find out if anyone in the state possesses those names. There are a few tasks that need to be completed for me to expand my company:1. Register Business Name2. Obtain new business cards3. Get a Business Bank Account4. Register with National Association of Professional Process

Servers5. Register with Professional Process Servers of New Jersey and

take their tests to be considered a professional.6. Go to or call law firms presenting myself and sending out

introductions of my company.

Personal Statement

• I enjoy my current career because I am my own boss, I do not have to work a specified shift and I can take my son to work with me without having to pay someone. I am a small business operator and I hope that my company allows me to secure a life for my family. Eventually, I would like to remain working in the office and hiring individuals to work as Process Servers. This will help the economy and take some individuals off unemployment. However, if my company does not work out the way that I hope, then I plan to explore some entry level positions for a psychology major. I am interested in a few, which I would have to narrow down. These include law enforcement, corrections officer, drug/substance abuse counselor, or a social worker. In addition to working at an entry level position, I would further my knowledge in a Master’s and Doctoral Degree in Forensic Psychology.

Resume

• Objective: To further my knowledge of investigative work and become a private investigator

• Experience April 2007- present Self-Employed Williamstown, NJ

Owner • Management Skills- Organized my own business• People Skills- delivered legal notices to Defendants, Witnesses,

Clients, etc. Picked up documents from Law Firms and Delivered to court houses.

• Communication Skills- Corresponds to letters, Negotiated with clients

• Interviewed potential employees• Secretarial Skills- Filing, Answering the telephone, Record

Keeping• QuickBooks- Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Invoicing,

Billing, Printing Checks, Payroll, Collections• Technical Skills- Microsoft Outlook, Internet, Microsoft Word,

Excel, Power Point• Financial Skills- Administered small business taxes for three

years

Resume

• ExperienceAugust 2004- April 2007 Selective Subpoena Cherry Hill,

N.J.

Administrative Assistant- Office Manager• Management Skills- Supervised up to 10 employees• People Skills- delivered legal notices to Defendants,

Witnesses, Clients, etc. Picked up documents from Law Firms and Delivered to court houses.

• Communication Skills- Interviewed potential employees• Accident Scenes- took photographs of accident scenes,

witnesses with scars, measured distance between two points

• Information/Administrative Skills- Filing, Answering the telephone, Detailed Record Keeping

• QuickBooks- Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Invoicing, Billing, Printing Checks, Payroll, Collections

• Technical Skills- Microsoft Outlook, Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point

Reflection

I have been attending Argosy for approximately two years. I have also went to Camden County College and Rutgers University. Out of the three schools, Argosy has been the most helpful. I recommend Argosy to many of my friends who talk about “going back” to school. I tell them how the financial support helps seek out aid and student loans, if they are necessary. The academic support explains what classes a person needs to graduate and how long it will take them to complete graduation.

• When I attended Rutgers I had several problems with getting financial aid, that Argosy did not have a problem giving me. My circumstances were different since I take care of my 15 year old sister. Therefore, aid for me was different than other individuals. Argosy is very helpful and respectful.

• When I attended Camden County College I told the academic advisor (I had) what I was trying to accomplish. I was told to take certain classes that later I found out were not a requirement of my specified study.

• Therefore, I would recommend Argosy to anyone. It is convenient, helpful and everyone I have spoke to through email, telephone or the classes has always been kind.

Reflection

• Through Argosy I have learned that I have to work hard to get the grade I have earned. It is not easy to maintain an A in all classes. I believe that Online Programs are more beneficial to individuals. I found that when I attended Camden County and Rutgers I did not always have to go to class since they were so big. The teachers rarely took attendance. However Online course attendance is required by logging into the class.

• I also feel that by being in an online program I am required to do more work. With larger classroom settings I could skip class, read the book, take the mid term and final exam and possibly due one paper if it was required. However, with the online program students are required to do anywhere from one to five discussion assignments and two to three APA papers a week. This has taught me to do my homework, seek more information to learn, read the books and participate.

• In addition, Argosy has taught me how to write an APA format paper. I have the APA manual but when a person writes the paper they are learning from experience. The teachers are respectful in grading and assessing what needs to be corrected. They explain how to make the paper better formatted and APA.

Reflection

• One of my strengths is my personality about life because I am motivated and ambitious about life, learning, and working hard to get where I want to be. I strive to put my full effort into my homework assignments and read the assignments for class. As a result, my current Grade Point Average is 3.78 and I was on the Deans List the past three years of college. An additional strength is that I follow directions and write very well APA papers for my classes.

• One of my weaknesses I discovered when I was taking a Personality Psychology class. I know who I am and my personality, however I had a difficult time understanding the theories and applying the theories to my personality. I received a C in the class and just could not figure out what I was doing incorrect.

Table of Contents

Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

Research SkillsCommunication Skills: Oral and WrittenEthics and Diversity AwarenessFoundations of PsychologyApplied PsychologyInterpersonal Effectiveness**Include work samples and projects with a Title Page and

organized accordingly to demonstrate each of the Program Outcomes above

Cognitive Abilities : Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

• Darwin’s Natural Selection• “November 24, 1859 Darwin published On the Origin of Species Means of Natural

Selection and provided the bulk of the massive body of biological and geological evidence that gave the theory of evolution its credibility. For this reason, Darwin is considered to be the authentic father of the doctrine of evolution through natural selection” (Silver, 1998, pg. 271). Mutation and sexual reproduction are ways that species can reproduce. Additionally, natural selection has played a role in patterning the human genome.

• After returning from South America and observing and collecting specimen, Darwin came up with a theory known as natural selection, also known as survival of the fittest. “Natural selection acts to preserve and accumulate minor advantageous genetic mutations. Natural selection is the preservation of a functional advantage that enables a species to compete better in the wild” (All About Science, 2008, P 2). Than’s (2005) definition of Darwin’s natural selection is the progression by which life rewards those living creatures better adapted to their surroundings with endurance and reproductive achievement. For example, a species develops wings, learns how to fly and passes it onto their offspring. The species without the wings will diminish and the species with the wings will continue to live through generations. Therefore, the development of the wings was an advantage. Species purposes are to replicate and to endure then exceed their inherited information from creation to generation. When this happens, groups tend to duplicate more than the surroundings can handle. Due to the need of resources the setting can offer, some creatures will not stay alive. Darwin found that the organisms suited to the environment would more likely survive. This is where the phrase survival of the fittest came in (Biology Online, 2008).

Cognitive Abilities : Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

• “There are two methods by which species can produce variants: mutation and sexual reproduction” (Silver, 1998, pg. 272). Mutation is when organisms have a distinguishable characteristic than there species in a very observable way. With the beginning and advance of molecular biology, it became obvious that modifications in the structure, appearance or functioning of the members of a single species are caused by variation in DNA composition. It also became apparent that some metamorphosis were formed by chemically and physically caused damage to the chemical structure in DNA (Silver, 1998). Sexual reproduction is when two people reproduce and have a child that has their offspring. In addition, man has learned how to mimic natural evolution. “The best known is the breeding of animals for a specific purpose” (Silver, 1998, pg. 275). For example, if someone is breeding a racehorse than they would want a fast runner and/or previous successful horses. To breed a fast horse, a man would combine to fast horses or horses that have won previously and have them mate, therefore having a pony that would eventually evolve into a winning racehorse.

• Our study indicates that survival of the fittest has played a significant position in outlining the human genome (Than, 2005), the collection of genes that conclude the physical distinctiveness of every individual living organism (Silver, 1998). Different genes in parents can result in a major or minor physical difference in their offspring. “A separate study announced last month indicated the human brain is still evolving. Bustamante’s team found that the genes most affected were those involved in immunity, sperm and egg production and sensory perception” (Than, 2005, P 8). A contrast between individuals and chimp genomes established that these genes have undergone more changes in people than in chimpanzees, despite the fact that the two shared a common ancestor 5 million years ago. The genes for a cluster of proteins important for switching other genes on and off, known as transcription factors, were found to fluctuate drastically in humans and chimps. One reason for this could be that turning a gene on or off is easier than changing the gene itself (Than, 2005).

• Therefore, natural selection is important in today’s society. Darwin’s theory has showed us how chimpanzees eventually evolved into humans. As a human myself, this is important to me because then I know my ancestry.

References• All About Science. (2008). Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Retrieved on August 8, 2008 from

http://www.darwins-theory-of-evolution.com/• Biology Online. (2000). Theory of Natural Selection. Retrieved on August 8, 2008 from

http://www.biology-online.org/2/10_natural_selection.htm• Silver, B. L. (1998). The Ascent of Science. New York, N.Y: Oxford University Press• Than, K. (2005). Darwin’s Natural Selection Still at Work in Humans. Retrieved on August 8, 2008 from

http://www.livescience.com/health/051102_natural_selection.html

Research Skills

Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy an Effective Treatment for Alcoholism?

Abstract• A clinical trial was performed to evaluate the influence

of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the treatment of alcoholism. Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help with alcoholism? With this in mind, I am also interested in the gender difference during treatment. The setting is a public outpatient counseling service. The participants included 50 females and 50 males from hospitals. The participants were assigned to an 18 week period of counseling. Following, they were required to do a 6 and 12 month check-up. The results showed that cognitive behavioral therapy is effective among treating alcoholism. They also showed that women were more effective because they took the therapy more seriously by attending more sessions and outside recovery groups.

Research Skills

• The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (2007) defines alcoholism as having the following four symptoms: (1) yearning, (2) loss of power, (3) physical reliance, and (4) tolerance. The Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse (GADCADA) (2006) says, “More than 100,000 U.S. deaths are caused by excessive alcohol consumption each year and nearly 14 million Americans meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorders” (¶ 15). In addition, compared to any other drug, alcohol kills 6 ½ more times (GDCADA, 2006). Bear in mind, that alcoholism is a fatal disease and we will determine if Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can treat alcoholism.

• NACBT (2007) explains, “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors” (¶ 3). Therapists suggest that we can change the way we act (NACBT, 2007). CBT concentrates on the patient’s aspirations, however the therapist does not tell them what their purpose ought to be (NACBT, 2007).

• This study will determine if CBT is an effective treatment for alcoholism and the length of time one should consider to go to therapy. It will also examine whether there is a difference in treatment for men and women.

• Marques and Formigoni (2001) reported there was a significant decrease in alcohol consumption for CBT with patients treated individually. Easton, Mandel, Hunkele, Nich, Rounsaville and Carroll (2007) determined participants in the SADV group had considerably more days abstinent from alcohol compared to the TSF group. This means that the SADV group, a CBT approach, worked for a 12 week period. Esposito-Smythers, Spirito, Uth and LaChance (2006) reported that four out of five individuals had a decrease in alcohol consumption at the 6 month follow-up and all five reported further reductions by the last follow-up of 12 months.

Research Skills

• People are different, emotionally and spiritually, therefore for some people it could take longer to recover or cope with their alcoholism than others. On the other hand, it could be a shorter time period. Marques and Formigoni (2001) conducted their study over an 8 month period and was effective in treating alcoholism. Easton et al. (2007) were successful in treating alcoholics and conducted their study over an 8 week period with a 6 month follow-up. Esposito-Smythers et al. (2006) conducted a study where the participants reported they had a decrease in alcohol consumption after being treated for 6 months. After the 6 months, the participants went to bi-weekly sessions for another three month (Esposito-Smythers et al., 2006). All participants reported more decrease at the 12 month follow-up. Therefore, the current study was conducted over an 18 week period, which is between the prior studies.

• There is little information available about whether men or women were more effective regarding CBT with alcoholism. Prior studies have included both men and women. However, the prior studies have not tested to determine if there was a difference with treatment among them.

MethodParticipants• The participants will be obtained from one of the following hospitals: Kennedy

Memorial Hospital, Virtua Hospital, or Cooper Hospital in the Camden County, New Jersey area. They will be given $5.00 for their participation in this study. An interviewer will ask the members questions from the 5th Edition (1998) of the Addiction Severity Index (Table 1) to determine who is eligible for the study. It was determined there were 50 women and 50 men that were potential participants for the study. Those individuals were invited back for an interview, where they received an Informed Consent form to fill out. These participants will receive free CBT counseling at Starting Point located in Westmont, New Jersey. The average age for men was 28 and women 35. Five men and 1 female dropped out of the study due to relapsing, therefore were not included in the final report.

Research Skills

Procedure/ Design• After determining who was eligible to participate and interviewing

the members who were invited back, they will begin CBT treatment. CBT is based on the idea that feelings and behaviors are initiated by a person's thoughts or emotions (T., 2009). For example, Cognitive Behavior Therapists believe that alcoholics might not be able to change their circumstances, but they can change how they think and feel about drinking (T., 2009).

• The participants will undergo an 18 week treatment of speaking to a therapist for 1 hour each week. The therapists will help the participant’s through functional analysis and skills training. The first nine weeks will be functional analysis and the last nine will be skills training.

• With functional analysis, the counselor and member will attempt to discover thoughts and emotions of the person prior to and after they drank (T., 2009). This makes it easier for the person to realize the possibility of a drinking again (T., 2009). Functional analysis can also give the person perspective as to why they drink and distinguish where they have difficulty coping (T., 2009). After the clients have learned their ideas of drinking and relapsing, they entered the “coping skills” phase.

• The next 9 weeks is to help the participant learn better coping skills (T., 2009). The psychotherapist attempts to assist the individual unlearn previous behaviors and discover improved skills and practices (T., 2009). The main goal is to change the way the participant thinks and learns how to deal with events that led to their drinking (T., 2009).

Research Skills

• After each session has been completed, a participant will be asked how they are doing with the treatment and there response will be: “successful,” “improved,” or “unimproved/worse”. They will also be asked if they drank since the last time they were in session. Successful will be given the number 2, improved will be given the number 1 and unimproved with be given 0. In addition, a self-reported drinking history for the past 90 days, and a life-time history of alcohol were obtained by means of a standardized table proposed by Wilkinson and colleagues (1987) (Marques & Formigoni, 2000). The alcohol consumption was evaluated by a standardized questionnaire both at pre-treatment, during treatment and follow up (Marques & Formigoni, 2007). This method includes the number of drinking days, heavy drinking days and problem drinking days as well as weekly consumption (Marques & Formigoni, 2007). Refer to Table 2, where it shows “alcohol-dependent patients were considered abstinent/moderate drinkers if they did no exceed 20 drinks/week, with no more than 10% of heavy drinking days (5 or more drinks/ day of use)” (Marques & Formigoni, 2007, p. 837). If a patient surpassed either of these cut-offs they were thought to be “serious” drinkers (Marques & Formigoni, 2007). The clients were believed “successful” at the check-up if they demonstrated a maximum IDUS of 0.1 for alcohol use (Marques & Formigoni, 2007).

• After the 18 weeks is completed, the participants will go to a 6 month and 12 month follow-up to see their results. They will speak to therapist explaining how they have been since the study (in general and with drinking). They will be asked if they feel they are: “successful,” “improved,” or “unimproved/worse”. They will also be questioned about whether they are drinking.

Research Skills

Data Analysis• To test the hypothesis the t-test will be used, which has two

groups or a treatment and a control group. The t-test analyses the difference between the means of group scores (Argosy, 2009). The t-test is directional meaning if one group scores higher than the other this will be recognized (Argosy, 2009). Comparisons of gender were made using the chi-square (χ2) to determine if there is a difference for CBT treating alcoholism. The independent variable is CBT for alcoholics. The primary dependent variables were the percentage of attendance at each sessions and percentage of weeks the participant was abstinent.

Results• The men treated patients attended, on average, 12 out of the

18 sessions, while the women attended, on average, 16 out of 18 sessions. It was observed that the women attend significantly more sessions than the male patients. In addition, 40 out of the 49 women attended other outside recovery groups while only 24 out of the 45 men attended the same. This was noted by their counselors through discussions. The level for statistical significance is p ≤ 0.05. The test was significant, meaning that women are more effective with CBT because it was a two tailed test with a value of 3.94 at p ≤ 0.05. We ran the t tests to determine whether CBT was successful in treating alcoholism. The t test was significant at the p ≤ 0.05 level.

Research Skills

• Discussion• The results of this experiment will support CBT being an

effective treatment for alcoholism. It will explain that both men and women can be treated with this type of therapy. In addition, women showed more success with such therapy due to more sessions attended and outside recovery groups. Participants who completed the sessions and went to both follow-ups were successful in remaining sober.

• The results confirmed the studies completed by Marque and Formigoni, Easton et al., Al-Otaiba et al., Esposito-Smythers, et al., and Berner et al. that CBT is a successful way to treat alcoholism. This study further elaborates that there was not a difference with male or females receiving treatment.

• Some weaknesses of this study are that it was conducted in one county of New Jersey and therefore may lack external validity. Therefore, a larger sample might be better for future research or possibly people from different areas rather than one county. Additional research can be completed with integrated therapies or younger age groups.

Research Skills

References• Al-Otaiba, Z., Worden, B., McCrady, B., & Epstein, E. (2008, September).

Accounting for self-selected drinking goals in the assessment of treatment outcome. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 22(3), 439-443. Retrieved April 10, 2009, doi:10.1037/0893-164X.22.3.439

• Easton, C., Mandel, D., Hunkele, K., Nich, C., Rounsaville, B., & Carroll, K. (2007, January). A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Alcohol-dependent Domestic Violence Offenders: An Integrated Substance Abuse-Domestic Violence Treatment Approach (SADV). The American Journal on Addictions, 16(1), 24-31. Retrieved March 22, 2009, doi:10.1080/10550490601077809

• Esposito-Smythers, C., Spirito, A., Uth, R., & LaChance, H. (2006, November). Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Suicidal Alcohol Abusing Adolescents: Development and Pilot Testing. The American Journal on Addictions, 15, 126-130. Retrieved March 21, 2009, doi:10.1080/10550490601006188

• GADCADA. (2006). Alcohol. Retrieved on April 20, 2009 from http://www.gdcada.org/statistics/alcohol.htm

• Marques, A., & Formigoni, M. (2001, June). Comparison of individual and group cognitive-behavioral therapy for alcohol and/or drug-dependent patients. Addiction, 96(6), 835-846. Retrieved March 21, 2009, doi:10.1080/09652140020050951

• Mitchell, M. L. & Jolley, J. M. (2007) Research Design Explained. (6th Ed.) Belmont, C.A.: Thomas Wadsworth

• NACBT. (2007). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Retrieved on April 17, 2009 from http://www.nacbt.org/whatiscbt.htm

• NICAAA. (2007). What is Alcoholism? Retrieved on April 20, 2009 from http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/FAQs/General-English/default.htm#whatis

• T. B., (2009). Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Addiction Recognize, Avoid and Cope. Retrieved on April 11, 2009 from http://alcoholism.about.com/od/relapse/a/cbt.htm

Communication Skills: Oral and Written

• What are the three topics that you found most helpful in this course? Explain.

Three topics I found most helpful are:• Communication is usually the route of conflict• How to Negotiate• The strengths and weaknesses of styles and tactics.

– I have often found that the way people communicate with each other definitely relates to conflict. I always say, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.” Therefore, I try not to have an attitude with people when I speak to them. Now my mother, she always sounds like she has an attitude but (I know) it is the tone of her voice. However, when she talks to other people they think she is being rude or ignorant because of her tone of voice. I have also found that when someone misunderstands or mis-communicates what one says that it can cause conflict. I learned various techniques on how to negotiate with someone through my Group Project. I purchased the book How to Negotiate Dealing with Difficult People by William Ury which explains 5 steps: (1) Go to the balcony, (2) Disarm Them: Step to Their Side, (3) Reframe, (4) Build Them A Golden Bridge and (5) Bring them to their senses. This book provides insight on how to cope with difficult people, how to negotiate with them, and strategies if they continue to say no or disagree with terms that are provided. I found it helpful to learn the advantages and disadvantages of competition, collaboration, compromise, avoidance and accommodation. It seems obvious that competition and avoidance to be the unsuccessful ways of dealing with people. I thought compromising and accommodating would be the best; however I learned that they have their weaknesses as well. For example, compromising can sometimes be the easy way out, which prevents new ideas (Wilmot & Hocker, 2007). Accommodating can also reduce new ideas and possibly bring out competitiveness (Wilmot & Hocker, 2007).

Communication Skills: Oral and Written

Name three course-related skills you would like to improve upon. What benefits do you hope to gain by improving in these areas?

• The first skill I would like to improve on is balancing power. I tend to be a high power person by always taking charge and bring out an altered view of myself. High power can lead to corruption (Wilmot and Hocker, 2007). Therefore, I need to learn how to balance power by using restraint, calm persistence, and remain engaged in the conversation.

• I would also like to improve on my communication. I hope to be able to hold my tongue when I want to say something rude or inconsiderate. For example, when I am on the telephone and talking to someone about a bill and they seem to not understand what I am saying, I tend to start yelling on the phone. Then I get upset and it only bothers me. It doesn’t really bother them as much. They just think I am another crazy customer.

• Last, I would like to improve on my negotiating skills. I hope to gain more insight on this when I purchase a home in about a year which will help me to possibly get a better deal on a mortgage payment and a lower purchase. I would also like to improve on this if I decide to go into law enforcement so that if I come across a situation where I have to negotiate with someone then I know how to.

Communication Skills: Oral and Written

Look back at the Sharing Experiences Discussion in Module 1. Has what

you’ve learned in this course given you any insight to your MostMemorable Negotiation? Explain. • The Most Memorable Negotiation was: • I take care of my 14 year old sister. I negotiate with her all

the time with her chores, homework, etc. However, this one particular funny situation happened at Six Flags. She is terrified of Roller Coasters, except Batman. My favorite is the Scream Machine. My boyfriend and I were on line with her and telling her if she goes on that we will give her, “50 dollars, a PSP, 100 bucks, etc.” So, she is sitting next to me and is crying her eyes out. I felt so bad that I told them to let her off. I bet if I made her stay on she would have loved it.

• Yes I have learned that in this situation I was trying to have high power over my sister, who had low power at the time. However, towards the end of the negotiation I accommodated her because she was crying and I didn’t want to upset her so I told her to get off.

References• Wilmont, W. W., & Hocker, J. L. (2007). Interpersonal

Conflict. (7th Ed.) Boston, M.A.: McGraw Hill

Ethics and Diversity Awareness

Race vs. Ethnicity Including Tahmia’s ViewsIntroduction• There are several definitions of race. First, the Human Genome

Project identifies 20,000 to 25,000 genes in human Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), therefore there is only one race- the human race (Argosy, 2009). “DNA has been found to be 99.9 percent alike” (Argosy, 2009, ¶ 1). However, society, including myself, would believe there are several races (Robinson-Wood, 2009). Some examples of what society would believe are different races are Blacks, Whites, Indians, Mexicans, etc. Overall, race is inbreeding, biologically secluded population that differs in distinguishable physical qualities from members of the society (Zuckerman, 1990, pg. 1297 referenced in Robinson-Wood, 2009).

• Ethnicity is a bond between commonalities which are passed from generation to generation and form a history and/or ancestry (Robinson-Wood, 2009). Brumfiel (2004) described this in the isolationist/primordial approach which is defined as groups of people with distinctive customs and outlooks (Brumfiel, 2004), for example Christians is a type of ethnicity because they share the same beliefs. “This approach developed because of geographical differences and isolation” (Brumfiel, 2004, ¶ 2). The most common discussion of ethnicity in the United States is the melting pot. The melting pot is where thousands of European immigrants migrated into the United States (Robinson-Wood, 2009).

Ethics and Diversity Awareness

Tahmia’s Views• I interviewed my friend, Tahmia, who is an African American.

I believe she feels an integral part of the mainstream American culture because she is a person who has friends of all different color, race, and ethnic background. Tahmia spends 25 percent of her non-work time with people of her same racial or ethnic background. When I asked her if she felt discriminated against she said she does not only by other races, but her own race. Tahmia said that Black people discriminate against her because she is well-educated and speaks properly. She told me how Black people say, “She doesn’t have enough skin”. Tahmia usually replies with, “Does that mean only White people can be educated and speak properly because then you are insulting yourself.” She is from a middle class neighborhood and mentioned most Blacks live in “run-down” neighborhoods. Some people from these types of neighborhoods are trying to do something with their lives. Tahmia feels that not all Black people have to be criminals if they don’t want to be. On the other hand, Tahmia also feels that White people portray her as someone who eats chicken, watermelon and drinks Hawaiian punch, as well as someone who is a criminal, involved in a gang, or not going anywhere in life. She feels that once people get to know her they realize that she is just another person in the world trying to make their own life better.

Ethics and Diversity Awareness

Tahmia vs. My Core Values

Tahmia’s core values that I would pass down to my children are the importance of

• independence• responsibility• never put want before need • two types of people: proactive and reactive.

– She believes independence and responsibility are important because they are characteristics of being a successful, productive person in life. Tahmia thinks that if a person puts there wants before there needs then a person might not make it in life. An example she gave is someone wants to buy shoes instead of paying bills. Reactive people wait for things to happen and proactive people plan for something to happen. She is proactive, for example she saves money, in case her car breaks down.

• My core values that I would pass down to my children are the importance of • the belief in a Higher Power• family and friends• education and work

– I believe that having a Higher Power is very important because I need some to take care of my difficulties that I cannot handle, even though I occasionally hold on to them. A Higher Power is someone that a person can trust and talk to at anytime of the day, whether happy or sad. Family is important because I feel as though they are a support system. I don’t have a big family, but I can always rely on my mother and sister to help me out and I enjoy their presence. My best friend Kristen and I have been friends for over 15 years. I think it is important to have a least one close friend, also for support and encouragement. I love to learn; therefore education is a significant value to me. Currently, education is important for individuals because without it, it is more difficult to gain employment. Work is also important so that one can support themselves and their family.

• Tahmia and I both believe in ways to make a person’s life better, however in different ways. She believes in independence, where I believe in support from a Higher Power or family and friends. I agree with her thoughts on putting needs before wants to have a safe security in life.

Ethics and Diversity Awareness

• References• Argosy University. (2009). Race-I. Retrieved

on January 20, 2009 from www.myeclassonline.com

• Robinson-Wood, T. L. (2009). The Convergence of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender. (3rd Ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson

• Brumfiel, E. (2004). What is Ethnicity? Affiliation. Retrieved on January 20, 2009 from http://www.indiana.edu/~arch/saa/matrix/aea/aea_06.html

Foundations of PsychologyFreud vs. Skinner

Freudian Theories and Skinnerian Theories: Differences

Treatment Issues Freud Skinner

Subjective Symptoms Not leaving the house due to repression Not leaving the house is due to the environment

Maladaptive Behaviors The unconscious controls behaviors The environment controls behaviors (S.R.)

Personality Predispositions “The id is an unconscious aspect of personality that drives people to seek self-satisfaction” (Brown, Esbensen & Geis, 2007, pg. 264).

Being vulnerable due to the environment, such as thoughts of if I leave the house then I will be assaulted.

Family Issues Since, the patient does not want to leave the house, the family is concerned and wants her to become well

Since, the patient does not want to leave the house, the family is concerned and wants her to become well. The family has been food shopping for the patient and they would like to see her leave the house and not become isolated.

Type of Therapy Psychotherapy Behavior

Treatment and Therapy Approach

To become conscious of our motives and feelings

Conditioning the behavior through reinforcements

Goals of Therapy Relief from symptoms Eliminate Symptoms

Foundations of Psychology

Charles vs. Paul in Middle Adulthood Development with Relation to Physical, Cognitive and Socioemotional Changes

• During middle adulthood, people are experience physical changes, such as wrinkles, receding hairline and possibly weight gain (Argosy, 2008). Being obese during this time is a serious problem because that have a 40 percent more chance of dying as found by Santrock, 2008. Some adults might experience sarcopenia which is described as loss of muscle mass and strength (Santrock, 2008). Individuals become stiff in the joints and have more difficulty moving. Some adults might have to wear glasses because this is a time when individuals have difficulty seeing close objects (Santrock, 2008). Midlife is the period when high blood pressure and high cholesterol take individuals by surprise (Santrock, 2008). The level of cholesterol in the blood increases and begins to build up on the veins which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (Santrock, 2008). Stress can cause a number of physical problems for a person at this age. Stress can break down one’s immune or cardiovascular system (Argosy, 2008). When a person is stressed, viruses and bacteria are more likely to develop within the immune system and cause diseases (Santrock & Argosy, 2008). Friedman & Rosenman (1974) say there are two behavior patterns, which differ severely through regard to the risk of cardiovascular disease (referenced by Argosy, 2008). Individuals with a Type A behavior pattern is more likely to experience cardiovascular disease (Argosy, 2008). This individual tends to be bloodthirsty, belligerent, intolerant, irritated and intimidating (Santrock, 2008). People with Type B behaviors are more relaxed and calm and therefore are less likely to experience heart conditions (Argosy, 2008). Although, cardiovascular disease can occur in Type B personalities and if this happens, a person with Type A behaviors is more likely to recover faster than a Type B person (Argosy, 2008). Men tend to lose their desire for sex at this age due to their hormone level and women go through menopause (Santrock, 2008). Women’s estrogen drops, as well as a men’s testosterone level (Argosy, 2008). Men can experience erectile dysfunction due to smoking, diabetes, hypertensions or elevated cholesterol levels (Santrock, 2008).

Foundations of Psychology

• To reduce sarcopenia and maximize physical changes one must exercise (Santrock referenced Taafe, 2006). It is very important for an individual at this age to exercise, maintain weight and eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This will help prolong cardiovascular problems (Santrock, 2008). Although Paul was neglecting going to the doctor’s, he was able to improve his life when he did go and started focusing on eating better and exercising. It is important to go to routine health check ups at this age to make sure a person’s health is in good condition. For individuals experiencing stress, it is beneficial if they were in cognitive therapy. NACBT (2008) explains Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on our thoughts causing our emotions and we can change the way we think to have better feelings. Cognitive therapy takes a lot of effort from both the therapist and the client; however it is effective in changing thought patterns (NACBT, 2008). If men are experiencing erectile dysfunction, they can take medication such as Viagra, Levitra or Cialis (Santrock, 2008). My friend’s aunt is was experiencing menopause and she spoke to a gynecologist about it and was prescribed a birth control. My friend’s aunt said that the birth control really helped with the mood swings and hot flashes.

• During middle adulthood verbal skills increase, crystallized intelligence, and the ability to think abstractly decreases, fluid intelligence (Santrock, 2008). Some individuals might experience Erickson’s stage of generativity versus stagnation (Argosy, 2008). Paul has experienced generativity due to his career and family life where Charles has not. Paul most likely feels successful and feels that he has a made a difference in life (Niolin, 2008). Charles has no connected healthy relationships, especially now that he is no longer with Sara and back with his gang. He doesn’t offer much to society except criminal activities which leads him to feel like a failure and experience stagnation (Niolin, 2008). At this stage, job satisfaction usually occurs because individuals feel that they have a purpose in life. However, sometimes a person does not feel satisfied since they might feel they have not helped others enough or they worry about their career (Argosy, 2008). People are dealing with death more often, especially with parents or other older relatives (Santrock, 2008). Therefore people start to think about their meaning of life. Roy Baumeister and Kathleen Vohs (2002) indicate the four main needs for meaning are: need for purpose, need for values, need for a sense of efficacy and need for self worth (Santrock, 2008). Paul has experienced the four basic needs, where Charles has not. The need for purpose is one’s goals and fulfillments (Santrock, 2008). Paul has spent most of his time on his research with Science and helping his child maximize his creativity. Charles has not achieved any goals or fulfillments. Paul has values, however Charles does not because he continues to drink alcohol and be apart of a street gang which will eventually cause him to go through the criminal justice system. Paul has a sense of efficacy because he and his wife help his child on a daily basis.

Foundations of Psychology• To maximize cognitive development, I would suggest reading books to help develop further

skills with relation to knowledge. In addition, a person should find out if they feel like they have reached the generativity or stagnation stage. If they are experiencing stagnation then they might want to seek help through counseling to determine what is wrong. Furthermore, if a person is not satisfied with their career they might want to seek a new opportunity for employment that is more gratifying.

• Midlife is when individuals are satisfied with marriage (Argosy, 2008). Healthy relationships can continue when individuals spend time with each other, they tell each other how they feel, they are supportive of each other, and they are interested in each other’s lives (Argosy referenced Donatelle & Davis in 1997). Paul and his wife seem to be satisfied with their marriage. Paul might feel isolated since he is no longer with Sara and the relationship wasn’t mutual. At this stage, some individuals might be interest in getting a divorce. “U.S. couples have a 50% chance of succeeding in marriage” (Argosy, 2008, P1). Men tend to feel surprised; they are the one to responsible and often move out of the house (Argosy, 2008). Women, on the other hand, don’t see remarrying occurring, have trouble with new relationships if they have guardianship of their children and may have inadequate child support from the father (Argosy, 2008). This is also a time when children start to move on with their life and go to college (Santrock, 2008). Some may experience the empty nest syndrome. However, this can be overcome by the parents supporting each other, spending time with their children and engaging in leisure activities. Levinson believes that adult men deal with four major conflicts which are: “(1) being young versus being old, (2) being destructive versus being constructive, (3) being masculine versus being feminine and (4) being attached versus being separated (Santrock, 2008, pg. 560). Men are struggling with the past and the future, at this point, and are dealing with the gap. Some might call this a midlife crisis.

• To maximize socioemotional development, I would suggest to couples who are struggling to seek counseling to deal with their problems. I think that couples should be working together in distressing and happy times. Counseling will also help with a couple not getting divorced. If someone was experiencing the empty nest syndrome, I would suggest them to ask their child to come over on Sundays for dinner and also develop a hobby that they enjoy. On Sundays, my boyfriend and I go to either my mothers or his mothers and it helps to keep the relationship between our parents healthy and strong. To deal with a midlife crisis, one might also want to seek counseling.

Foundations of Psychology

References• Argosy University. (2008). Module 6. Retrieved on

October 10, 2008 from www.myeclassonline.com• NACBT. (2008). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

Retrieved on October 10, 2008 from http://www.nacbt.org/whatiscbt.htm

• Niolion, R. (2008). Erickon's Psychosocial Stages of Development. Retrieved on October 11,

• 2008 from http://www.psychpage.com/learning/library/person/erikson.html

• Santrock, J. W. (2008). Life-Span Development. 11th ed. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill

Applied Psychology

Interview• I conducted an investigative interview with a consenting volunteer, as a witness

to a car accident. I did well with the introduction. I included a statement of purpose of the interview which was to find out what happened on December 5, 2006 at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the automobile accident on Greentree Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. However, I did not go over confidentiality because I felt as if there was not anything to keep confidential. I explained to the person that this is for me to see how well I do with interviewing another person.

• The body of the interview went a lot better because I was more aware of the things I needed to do to make the interview successful. According to Stewart and Cash, Jr., “Listening skills are essential to obtaining information, detecting cues, and generating Level 2 and Level 3 responses” (p. 35). I noticed my listening skills went well because there were times when I leaned forward, my tone of voice was formal and I kept eye contact with my interviewee except for when I was writing down notes. “Nonverbal communication is important because both parties are likely to detect what the other does or does not do” (Stewart & Cash, pg. 31). Some nonverbal signals that I used were a polite hand shake, straight posture and direct eye contact. “Rapport is a process of establishing and sustaining a relationship between interviewer and interviewee by creating feelings of goodwill and trust” (Stewart & Cash, pg. 77). I like to use the metaphor “broke the ice” with a joke to establish rapport with the interviewee. I asked a lot of questions to understand exactly which car hit the other car in the automobile accident. I asked questions that involved day of the week, time, and weather. I asked where the interviewee’s car was at the time of the accident. I have to keep practicing on avoiding assumptions because there was an occasional, “So I assume . . .” during the interview. I knew it was not my job to solve the problem or figure out who was at fault for the automobile accident.

Applied Psychology

• However my job was to interview the witness and find out what the person saw happen. “Silence may encourage the other to talk , signal that we are not in a hurry, express agreement with what is being said, and keep the other party talking, but it can also signal apathy, boredom, fear or intimidation” (Stewart & Cash, pg. 32). The only time there was silence was in between questions when I was jotting down notes of the accident. I did show the person respect with kindness, however there was no need to show empathy or acceptance because this person was not involved in the accident. I did show empathy when the interviewee explained a person was hurt in the accident. I did well on summarizing, but I think I could have summarized better because when I did there were a few things the interviewee mentioned that I missed. I completely met the smoothly transitioned into closing because when the interviewee was completed with expressing what happened with the accident I asked, “Is there anything else that you can remember or would like to tell me before we close the interview?”

• “The closing has three primary functions. First, the closing signals the termination of an interview but not a relationship. . . Second, the closing may express supportiveness to enhance the relationship and bring the interview to a positive close. . . Third, the closing may summarize the interview.” (Stewart & Cash, pg. 93-94). I went five minutes over the thirty minute frame because there was a lot of information to obtain. I re-summarized in the closing of the interview and had everything correct. I asked the interviewee again if there was anything else that he might have forgotten. I also said if there is anything else the person could think of to call and let me know. I thanked the interviewee for allowing me to spend sometime with him and I appreciate his participation.

Applied Psychology

Job Satisfaction and Job Performance• I think researchers believe that people who are satisfied with their job perform

better at work. “It’s important to understand the impact of job satisfaction on outcomes such as job performance, withdrawal behaviors, and counterproductive behaviors” (Argosy University, 2008). An example of a consequence of job satisfaction, according to Levy (2006) is, “a satisfied worker is a productive worker, but what if that satisfied worker is incapable of doing what is required of her job? What if, despite her satisfaction, the norm at work is to do just enough to get by?” (p. 300). “A good general estimate of the relationship between satisfaction and performance is hard to nail down, but we can be reasonably certain that it lies somewhere between .14 and .30” (Levy, 2006, p. 300). Withdrawal Behaviors, such as absenteeism, tardiness and turnover, are also important to the consequences of organizations. “The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that, on average, employees are absent about 4 days per year due to illness or personal concerns” (Levy, 2006, p. 301). I know from experience that some people take advantage of being able to have off. I worked with a person who was “sick” once a week. My boss was very easy-going so when she called out from being sick, he would complain. However, he never hired a new person or did anything about it. There is not a large correlation between tardiness and lateness but there are some similarities. “The Steers and Rhodes model of absence has also been applied to lateness here;, the results indicated that job satisfaction has a small direct affect on attendance” (Levy, 2006, p. 303). When a company spends money on recruitment, training and hires an employee who quits then the company looses money. Turnover is very important because it is related to money a company spends. “Counterproductive behaviors include arson, blackmail, bribery, sabotage, theft, fraud, psychological withdraw and interpersonal violence” (Levy, 2006, p. 305).

Applied Psychology

• The consequences are important to organizations because it can be cost efficient to them. For an organization to increase job satisfaction, I think they should start off with some encouragement to their employees. For instance, every morning they could have a 15 minute meeting with everyone who works there and say how great everyone is going to do. Maybe they can get the employees to chant, cheer or applaud together. “A good working definition of motivation is this: motivation represents a measurable increase in both job satisfaction and productivity. The motivated worker does his job better and likes it more than those folks who are not so motivated. What generates real motivation is the first set of factors mentioned: opportunities for achievement and accomplishment, recognition, learning and growth, having some say in how the job is done and worthwhile work” (Big Oak SEO, 2006, p. 1). I also think that Supervisors should point out when an employee is doing well. I think Supervisors notice more when an employee makes a mistake rather then when an employee does a great job.

• For me, I think job performance has a little to do with job satisfaction, however I think its more of the person’s attitude in general. I am the type of person who tries to do my best ability at any job I am working in. This can be a good quality and sometimes a bad one. It’s a good one because I strive to do the best because I want to be better than others. On the other hand, most people don’t like me because they view me as the person who is “the boss’ pet”. It does not bother me though, because I like to go the extra mile. I am usually satisfied with my job, but I say it is more of a person’s attitude because some people don’t want to go the extra mile or don’t care too. It does not mean that they are not satisfied with their job.

Applied Psychology

References• Big Oak SEO., (2006). Looking to Increase

Employee Performance? Motivation is Critical. Retrieved on April 3, 2008 from http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/2-2-2006-87970.asp

• Levy, Paul E., (2006). Industrial/Organizational Psychology Understanding the Workplace. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Traumatic Brain Injury • “Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury caused by external force, resulting

in total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment” (McDonnell, Hardman & McDonnell, 2003, p. 8). I interviewed Colleen Tola who was in a car accident that resulted in TBI. According to McDonnell, Hardman and McDonnell (2003) someone who has TBI may experience:– disabilities in intelligence, language, memory, attention reasoning, abstract thinking, judgment,

problem solving, sensory, perceptual and motor abilities, behavior, physical functioning, information processing and speech. (p. 8)

• Colleen experiences some of these disabilities, including memory, abstract thinking, problem solving, and information processing. In addition, she has difficulty with remembering new information and recalling or retaining information.

• Colleen told me she was unable to control her emotions when she first got out of the hospital and questioned, “Why did this happen to me?” She explained that she has been going to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which has helped her deal and control her emotions. In previous classes, I learned that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches a person how to deal with their thoughts, feelings and emotions in a positive manner. Instead of being angry, occasionally she gets frustrated with herself because she is not who she use to be. Colleen feels that TBI has altered her life because she has difficulty recalling information and isn’t able to perform on the job. As a result, sometime I don’t feel smart like “I use to be”. She felt like she was always on the go, but feels that the TBI has allowed her to appreciate life more. Colleen is able to take a “break” when she needs to. She can appreciate nature, instead of always running to do something.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Colleen doesn’t face a significant amount of discrimination in the public life since her disability is not as noticeable as someone who is in a wheelchair. Colleen went on several job interviews and told them she had TBI. She was asked several questions about her disability. After not getting a job, she felt that the interviewers were not hiring her because of the TBI. Therefore, her current job does not know she has TBI because she never mentioned it. Sometimes Colleen feels singled out by her close friend. There was an occasion that she described. She was hanging out with her close friend and another person. She could not find her keys and kept misplacing them. The other person said, “Do you smoke weed or something?” Colleen’s close friend said, “She has TBI and was in a really bad car accident!” Then the other person was silent and didn’t know what to say. Occasionally she feels like her close friend has to defend her or she is being judged by others.

• I asked Colleen if she ever heard of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and she said she didn’t. I explained the ADA was an act that minimized discrimination towards individuals with a disability in the work force, public areas and public accommodations (McDonnell, Hardman & McDonell, 2003). As long as Colleen meets “all requirements of the job and perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation” (McDonnell, Hardman & McDonell, 2003, p. 43). For instance, the jobs that she applied to are not allowed to discriminate or not hire her because of her TBI. She indicated that she wasn’t familiar with her civil rights and hired an attorney since she was applying for Social Security Disability.

• Traumatic brain injuries are not usually categorized by severity, even though the nature and degree of the ordeal can produce an outcome of mild to severe conditions (McDonell, Hardman, & McDonnell, 2003). I have learned from interviewing Colleen that TBI can result in a lot of emotional frustration. It seems that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a great way to overcome these thoughts through there ways of altering one’s thoughts, feelings and emotions. One with TBI might be questioned about their disabilities on the work hunt, with friends, family or in public. An individual might experience judgments if they were to explain their disability. However, these can be overcome if the person with the disability explains it thoroughly.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

References• McDonnell, J. J., Hardman, M. L.,

& McDonnell, A. P. (2003). An Introduction to Persons with Moderate and Severe Disabilities Educational and Social Issues. Boston, M.A.:Pearson

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Canada vs. the United States Culture Including Languages, Values and Norms• “Culture is the way of thinking, the way of acting, and the material objects that together

form a people’s way of life” (Macionis, 2007, pg. 40). Each society has a different view on their culture and what is important to them, however we all have common elements, such as symbols, languages, values and norms. Culture shapes what we do and how we think and feel (Macionis, 2007). The United States and Canada have different and similar cultures, including language, values and norms.

• “Language is a system of symbols that allows people to communicate with one another” (Macionis, 2007, pg. 46). Canadians reported more than 100 languages in completing the census question on mother tongue. The two most often spoken are French and English (Canada, 2001). There are 322 languages spoken in America and the two most spoken are English and Spanish. South America and America both speak Spanish, however English is the primary language spoken. There are 215,423,555 English speakers and 28,100,725 Spanish speakers in America (US English Foundation, 2005). Both countries share the English language. Both countries are multicultural meaning they have hundreds of Native American societies that have immigrated to their country (Macionis, 2007).

• The top three values for Canada are peace, order and good government. Canadians feel self-righteous about their achievements. Canada is a world leading country in mediation and negotiation and is a model for democracy. The government is dedicated to keeping the values to make the people proud to be Canadians (Canada, 2008). They differ because the U.S. and Canada have different governments and citizens within the country. Canada’s first value is peace, whereas the U.S. is equal opportunity. It is important to have equal opportunity, however I think it is more important to have peace within the country as well as with other countries. Canada is a model for democracy because their values are consistent with each other. The U.S. is inconsistent, for example equal opportunity really has nothing to do with Americans being competitive, which results in disorder and not peacekeeping. Then the US seeks material comfort, whereas Canada is all about having a superior government (Macionis, 2007).

Interpersonal Effectiveness

• “Norms, rules and expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members” (Macionis, 2007, pg. 50). The United States is more individualistic whereas Canada is more united. People in the United States think it is norm for people to do things for themselves. Canadians think it is the government who should do things, which is why Canada has a broader welfare system than the U.S. It is norm for people in the U.S. to own a gun, however it is not in Canada and therefore, few people own guns (Macionis, 2007). From my own experience, when a police officer pulls you over in New Jersey (I don’t know how other parts of the U.S. are) you can pull over on the right or left side of the road and it is no problem. However, when I was in Canada, my friends were trying to wave a police officer down because we were lost. He decided to pull me over and I pulled over to the left. He asked if we did that in “the States” and I said yes. He said well not here and he wrote me a Careless Driving ticket.

• Culture is a shared way of life among a society. Each culture varies, including the U.S. and Canada’s dialect, beliefs and customs. The most often language spoken in Canada is French and the second in the U.S. is Spanish and both countries share the English dialect. Canada is more focused on there government where the U.S. is focused more individually. Canada and The United States have different rules of their society. While making these comparisons, I did not adopt an ethnocentrism or cultural relativism approach.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

References• Canada. (2001). A more multilingual society. Retrieved

on September 12, 2008 from http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/products/analytic/companion/lang/canada.cfm

• Canada. (2008). Government in Canada. Retrieved on September 9, 2008 from http://www.culture.ca/explore-explorez-e/Society/Government#longdescriptionMacionis, J. J. (2007). Society the basics. 9th Ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson

• US English Foundation, Inc. (2005). Language in America. Retrieved on September 12, 2008 from http://www.usefoundation.org/foundation/research/lia/findings.pdf

My Future in Learning

I like the quote of there is something new to learn each day. It does not matter what it is: could be simple or difficult. I enjoy learning something new (at least once a day). Today I learned how to be patient and drive 55 in a 65 zone because I had a spare on my car.

I plan on expanding my current business, therefore I will be learning a lot of new ideas on registering a business, small grants, speaking to lawyers and/or secretaries, and possibly taking a non credit business class.

In a few years I see myself going back to obtain my Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology which will allow me to learn more in that field.

Contact Me

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For further information, please contact me at the e-

mail address below. Priscilla_semmens@yahoo.com